FG probes Arik Air engine failure

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal investigation into the engine incident involving an Arik Air flight that made a precautionary diversion to Benin City on Wednesday. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was operating Flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the crew detected an engine problem mid-flight. According […]

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal investigation into the engine incident involving an Arik Air flight that made a precautionary diversion to Benin City on Wednesday.

The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was operating Flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the crew detected an engine problem mid-flight.

According to the airline, the pilots heard a loud bang from the left engine while descending into Port Harcourt International Airport and immediately diverted to Benin Airport in line with standard safety procedures.

The aircraft landed safely without further incident, and all 80 passengers and crew disembarked unharmed.

NSIB confirmed that abnormal engine indications were observed during the flight, prompting a precautionary engine shutdown and diversion to the nearest suitable airport.

Initial inspections reportedly revealed visible damage to the affected engine.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the bureau said investigators have secured the aircraft and commenced evidence gathering.

Oladeji said the process includes interviewing crew members and witnesses, as well as retrieving and analysing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

The agency is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders, she added.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.

Expert warns against speculation

The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi has urged the public to avoid speculation as authorities probe the incident.

Sanusi said such occurrences, though unsettling, are not uncommon in global aviation and should not trigger panic or premature conclusions.

“There is no need for speculation. We should allow a full investigation before drawing conclusions. This is not the first time something like this has happened anywhere in the world,” he said.

He noted that engine issues involving the CFM56-7B engine, commonly used on Boeing 737 aircraft, have been recorded internationally and are typically managed through established safety protocols.

“The safe diversion and landing show that the aircraft’s safety systems and crew training worked as intended,” he added, stressing that precautionary decisions are integral to aviation safety culture.

Arik Air apologised for the disruption, reiterating that passenger safety remains its top priority. Engineers are currently conducting technical checks on the aircraft before it returns to service.